| Description | The programme to accompany the Freshwater Fisheries Forum number 2. |
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| ISBN | (Web Only) |
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| Official Print Publication Date | |
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| Website Publication Date | July 15, 2005 |
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3. Regulation of the Movement of Salmon and Freshwater
Fish Between Inland Waters in Scotland
It is clear that freshwater fish species have been
extending their range in Scotland. Some of this expansion
may have come about naturally, but there is little doubt
that fish have been physically moved and introduced into
new locations. This is not a new phenomenon; it has been
going on probably for centuries.
Under existing Scottish legislation, the only control on
the introduction, keeping, release or movements of fish in
Scotland are the provisions in the Import of Live Fish
(Scotland) Act 1978 in relation to the introduction,
keeping or release of fish not native to Scotland, and
those in section 24 of the Salmon Act 1986, which apply
only to salmon or salmon eggs, and then only in relation to
salmon fishery districts where a district salmon fishery
board has been established.
The situation is rather better in England and Wales,
where section 30 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act
1975 makes it an offence if a person introduces any fish or
spawn of fish into an inland water, or has in his
possession any fish or spawn of fish intending to introduce
it into an inland water, unless he first obtains the
written consent of the Environment Agency.
While section 30 provides significantly greater
safeguards against the unregulated movement of fish than
are available in Scotland, there are still problems. EA
indicate that it is difficult to enforce; unless someone is
caught in the act, it is extremely difficult to prove that
they have introduced fish into a water body or that they
intend to do so. Further, it is not an offence to possess
the fish in tank on a lorry, even if it apparent that the
intention is to use them for stocking.
Professor Peter Maitland, from the Fish Conservation
Centre will present the Steering Group's findings on the
options available for the regulation of fish movements in
Scotland.